South Africa cruise to win over New Zealand

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, Oct 21 (AFP): South Africa cruised to a six-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one-day international at Mount Maunganui on Tuesday, guided home by a captain's knock from AB de Villiers.
The Proteas ended their run chase at 236-4 in 48.1 overs, easily overhauling the 231 target New Zealand set after losing the toss and being sent in to bat.
De Villiers top-scored for South Africa with 89, ably supported by JP Duminy (58), who combined with his skipper for a 139-run partnership when the Proteas were looking wobbly at 97-4.
Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi's gritty 99 was the standout performance for the Black Caps but he had little support apart from unlikely strike partner Trent Boult, with whom he set a New Zealand record 10th-wicket stand of 74.
The three-match series is essentially a World Cup warm-up for both sides as New Zealand prepares to co-host the tournament next year.
However, South Africa could also overtake Australia as the world's top ranked ODI team if they complete a 3-0 whitewash over the Black Caps, who are ranked seventh.
De Villiers said he was pleased with the side's performance, aside from his bowlers' failure to snuff out the dogged resistance of Ronchi and Boult.
South Africa 236 for 4 (De Villiers 89*, Duminy 58*) beat New Zealand 230 (Ronchi 99, Tahir 2-37) by six wickets.